2012 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, both 2012 Mazda 3 and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. Both 2012 Mazda 3 and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta are equipped with a 2,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 17 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
